MANILA: The northeast monsoon or 'amihan' prevailing over Northern and Central Luzon, and the easterlies affecting the rest of the country will continue to bring cloudy skies with isolated rains showers over most parts of the country, the weather bureau said Wednesday. In its 4 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cagayan Valley and Aurora. Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will be experienced over the Ilocos and Cordillera regions, as well as the rest of Central Luzon, also due to 'amihan.' Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may result in flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas, PAGASA warned. Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough coastal waters will b e experienced over extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern section of Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The rest of the archipelago will have light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas. The temperature in Metro Manila will range from 24°C to 30°C; Baguio City, 16°C to 23°C; Laoag City, 23°C to 31°C; Legazpi City, 24°C to 31°C; Metro Cebu, 25°C to 31°C; Puerto Princesa City, 25°C to 31°C; and Metro Davao, 24°C to 31°C. Source: Philippines News Agency The air quality in Bangkok this morning has exceeded the safety threshold, with PM2.5 levels reaching orange levels throughout the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration urges the public to wear face masks whenever they go outside to protect themselves from the harmful effects of PM2.5. As of 7 a.m., the air quality data from air quality monitoring stations in Bangkok reported a PM2.5 concentration ranging from 41.9 to 73.1 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) or 56.4 µg/m³)on average. This represents an increase compared to the same time yesterday and surpasses the standard threshold, indicating a health impact (the standard is set at 37.5 µg/m³). A total of 70 areas in Bangkok are affected. General Public Advisory: Use protective equipment such as face masks every time you go outside to shield yourself from PM2.5. Limit the duration of outdoor activities or strenuous exercise. Monitor for abnormal symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. At-Risk Population Advisory: Utilize protective equipment, including face masks, every time you leave a building. Avoid engaging in activities or outdoor exercises that require significant exertion. Follow medical advice promptly if experiencing abnormal symptoms. Factors Influencing the Situation (Meteorological Predictions): Between January 10 and 18, the weather is expected to have weak air dispersion, with alternating periods of open and closed atmospheric conditions near the surface. There is also a possibility of rain, which could slightly improve the dispersion of PM2.5 particles. Hotspot Detection: Satellite observation has detected a hotspot in Bangkok's Klong Sam Wa on January 10 at 1.45 a.m. Officials are inspecting to identify the certain area where it occurred. -819 (TNA) PM2.5 Source: Thai News Agency
